Regional metamorphism is a form of metamorphism which occurs over a large distance scale, for example when there is extensive folding of a rock layer which increases the pressure in a local region. Pressure changes are part of the phenomena which initiates changes in a rock.
Under folding or differential movements of a large-scale bedding plane, a rock will be split along contiguous parallel planes. This feature of a rock is called "cleavage", ie. the property of a rock to be split along the parallel planes within the crystal itself, and it is particurly important for the weathering of metamorphic rocks.
Go to a listing of Rocks by mineral group
Regional metamorphism is a form of metamorphism which occurs over large distances, for example when there is extensive folding of a rock layer which increases the pressure. Pressure changes are part of the phenomena which initiates changes in a rock.
Under folding of a large-scale bedding plane, a rock will be split along parallel planes. This feature of a rock is called "cleavage", ie. the property of a rock to be split along the parallel planes within the crystal itself, and it is particurly important for the weathering of metamorphic rocks.
Go to a listing of Rocks by mineral group
Not applicable at this reading level.
Go to a listing of Rocks by mineral group
